Page 26 of Throne of Dreams
“Obviously,” Maeve agreed.
“Well, I jumped, panicked, and couldn’t figure out how tofade.” His rumbling laughter echoed in the small space they shared, and her heart squeezed tight. “My mind blanked and I lost control of my wings. I fell through the tops of the branches and caught myself before I hit the ground. But,” he tapped his chin, “the forest made sure I didn’t do anything so stupid ever again.”
“And did you learn your lesson?” she teased.
“I did. The forest disciplined me.” He winked. “Garvan and Shay were left to our mother’s wrath.”
At the mention of their mother, Maeve’s soul wept. It was an ache unlike anything she’d ever known. It hurt, not having any of the memories, not being able to share in any of the joy from their childhood. But worse, she supposed, was knowing she was the cause. She was the reason their family was torn apart. Perhaps if Fianna had never fled to the human lands, perhaps if Maeve had never been born, then maybe Dorian would still be around. Maybe Garvan and Shay wouldn’t be so cruel.
“I know what you’re thinking.” Aran’s voice was cold and sharp. “Quit it right now.”
She sighed, her shoulders rising and falling. “I can’t help it.”
He stood then and wrapped his arms around her, and she leaned into his embrace. “None of this is your fault, Maeve. Our mother wanted you. She prayed to the goddess for you. So do not ever think her love for you was in vain.”
She hugged him back, holding on tight, when her palms lightly grazed the crescent moon scars marring his back, wounds left behind when Carman cut off his wings.
A kindling of hope sparked bright in her mind.
“Come with me.” Maeve grabbed Aran’s hand and led him out of the map room. “I have an idea.”
* * *
Tiernan losttrack of the time since Ceridwen left his room. Seeing her like that, knowing there was nothing she could do to help him…it was more than he could handle. After a few moments of strained silence, she stood and left him to his thoughts.
Which only consisted of Maeve.
If he was smart, he’d put distance between them.
If he was smart, he’d stay far away from her. He wouldn’t imagine her in his bed, all flushed and pretty, after he’d pleasured her beyond rational thought. He wouldn’t imagine running his tongue between the valley of her breasts, or running his palms up her thighs and over her ass, or burying himself into her so deep she screamed his name.
Fuck.
Raking his hand through his hair, he stalked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. This time, it was ice cold.
ChapterNine
Maeve led Aran to the back of theAmshir, where the wide deck offered glorious views of the Lismore Marin but also space. She didn’t know if she was going to be able to help him or not, but if she could bring the Furies back from the dead, then she could certainly regrow Aran’s wings.
“Okay.” She spread her arms and circled him slowly, fairly sure there would be enough room. Aran was larger than her and his wingspan would likely be far greater, but the stern of the boat looked big enough to accommodate him. Assuming she could do it. “Go ahead and kneel.”
Aran’s auburn brow quirked. “As much as I love you, darling sister, I kneel before no one.”
She rolled her eyes to the crystal blue heavens. “Not like that. Just…” Her gaze darted around, and she dropped onto her knees and sat back on her heels. “Just sit like this.”
“Why?” He drew the word out cautiously.
“Because, Aran.” She grabbed his hands and squeezed them between hers. “I’m going to try and recreate your wings.”
He stared down at her like she’d grown a second head. His emerald eyes flashed, and some of the color drained from his face. “You’re going to what?”
“Well.” She stood up and ran her teeth along her bottom lip. “I brought the Furies back. I created a necklace from sunlight.” At the mention of that, his brows shot up in surprise. “So, I think I’d like to try and give you back your wings. As much as I love Effie, I know you miss them.”
His gaze dipped down to the ground. “I do indeed.”
“So, I want to help.” Not just help, she thought. But build the bond between them somehow. She was the reason Fianna fled the Autumn Court, the reason she abandoned all she ever knew and loved. Maeve wouldn’t let it be in vain. Not when she had an opportunity to rebuild what was lost, to forge a relationship with Aran.
“Do you really think this could work?” Slowly, Aran knelt on the wooden deck. He looked up at her from beneath a swatch of rich auburn hair.
